A Provost serves as chief academic officer at a college or university. Directly oversees the academic deans of various schools within a university system, as well as the heads of various interdisciplinary units and academic support functions, such as libraries, student services, the registrar, admissions, and IT. Reports in turn to the institution's chief executive officer or president. Responsible for oversight of all educational affairs and activities, including research and academic personnel.
Provost and Executive Vice President Eastern Michigan University (EMU), Michigan's second-oldest public university, invites nominations, applications, and expressions of interest in its search for an accomplished and visionary academic leader to serve as its next Provost and Executive Vice President. Dr. Brendan Kelly began his tenure as the 24th president of EMU on April 1, 2026, marking a significant new chapter for the institution. As President Brendan Kelly leads a laser-focused vision to establish EMU as Michigan's first-choice comprehensive public university organized around applied learning, technical fluency, employer/industry partnerships, and career-connected student success, the Provost will have a unique opportunity to shape the University's academic future and position in Michigan's economy. Leading the partnership of faculty, deans, staff, students, and industry/community partners, the Provost will elevate EMU's academic profile, grow enrollment and elevate student success, greatly expand and embed experiential learning, and lead the curation of educational experiences that students choose, remember, and carry with them long after graduation. EMU is located in Ypsilanti, Michigan , a historic and culturally rich city in the heart of southeastern Michigan. Ranked by Zillow as one of the top five college towns in the nation, Ypsilanti offers a mix of historic charm, artistic energy, and strong community ties. The city is just minutes from Ann Arbor and less than an hour from Detroit, providing access to two major economic, cultural, and innovation hubs. The 800-acre campus features a blend of natural beauty, walkable green spaces, and modern facilities, including Eagle Crest Golf Course, a top-rated collegiate course located along the scenic Ford Lake shoreline. To learn more about the opportunities and expectations for the next Provost, as well as the required and desired professional qualifications and personal qualities, please review the full search profile at www.academicsearch.org/EMUProvost . Eastern Michigan University is being assisted by Academic Search. Nominations, inquiries, and expressions of interest can be submitted in confidence to EMUProvost@academicsearch.org . Applications can be submitted electronically, and in confidence, at www.academicsearch.org/EMUProvostApply .
Applications must include a:
a) Current curriculum vitae; b) Letter of application that ties the candidate's experience specifically to the needs of EMU and the needs outlined in the search profile.